Underground

Watch Underground

"ONCE UPON A TIME THERE WAS A COUNTRY"
  • NR
  • 1995
  • 2 hr 47 min
  • 8.1  (60,972)
  • 79

Underground is a 1995 black comedy-drama film directed by Emir Kusturica. The movie is set in Belgrade during World War II, and it tells the story of two friends, Marko and Blacky, who are involved in underground activities, smuggling weapons to the resistance movement during the war. Marko is a go-getter, a dealer in black-market goods, and Blacky is his best friend, who works in a clandestine factory producing arms for the resistance. Marko is also in love with Blacky's wife, Natalija, who is completely oblivious to Marko's feelings. The three of them become key figures in the underground resistance movement against the Nazi regime, but as the war comes to an end, their friendship and alliances are put to the ultimate test.

The movie starts with a big party celebrating the end of World War II in the underground bunker. Marko and Blacky are there, and they seem to be having a good time. Soon, the party turns into a tense and chaotic affair as the people start to realize that they have been living underground for the last ten years, with no real end in sight. The war has been over for years, and they have been cut off from the outside world, living in a self-imposed exile.

The movie then shifts back in time to show how Marko and Blacky got involved in the resistance movement. Marko is a charming and cunning man who has always been able to get his hands on anything he wants, and he sees the war as an opportunity to make a fortune. Blacky, on the other hand, is a quiet and reserved man who just wants to do his part in the resistance and help his people.

As the war rages on, Marko and Blacky become more and more involved in the resistance, with Marko using his connections and charm to acquire weapons and Blacky using his technical expertise to produce them. They become key figures in the movement, but their friendship is strained by Marko's affair with Natalija.

The movie is full of black humor, absurd situations, and surreal imagery, typical of Kusturica's style. The director doesn't shy away from the dark side of war, showing the brutality of the Nazis and the violence of the resistance. There are scenes of torture, executions, and bombings that are hard to watch, but they serve to highlight the absurdity of the situation.

What makes the movie unique is its use of music. Kusturica is known for his love of music, and he uses it as a narrative tool in the movie. The soundtrack is a mix of Serbian folk music, gypsy music, and rock music that perfectly captures the spirit of the characters and the time period.

The acting in the movie is superb, with Predrag 'Miki' Manojlovic delivering a standout performance as Marko. He plays the role with a mix of charm, wit, and desperation that makes you both love and hate him at the same time. Lazar Ristovski is excellent as Blacky, the quiet and reserved friend who is torn between his loyalty to the cause and his love for his wife. Mirjana Jokovic is convincing as the enigmatic Natalija, the woman who is loved by both men.

In conclusion, Underground is a must-see movie for anyone who enjoys black comedy, war movies, and surrealism. The movie is a masterpiece of storytelling, with memorable characters, stunning visuals, and a soundtrack that will stay with you long after you've seen it. Kusturica's unique style and vision make this movie a classic, and a must-watch for any cinephile.

Underground is a 1995 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1 and a MetaScore of 79.

Underground
Description
Where to Watch Underground
Underground is available to watch free on Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download on demand at Amazon Prime. Some platforms allow you to rent Underground for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1995
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    2 hr 47 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    8.1  (60,972)
  • Metascore
    79